AMCA Tells Mosquitos To "Buzz" Off During Mosquito Control Awareness Week

By The American Mosquito Control Association

There is nothing worse than an unwanted house guest - especially when they do nothing but suck you dry. Mosquitoes have nasty habits of buzzing around; causing itchy bite marks and making many grab the nearest can of bug repellant. Enjoy the outdoors this summer and stop the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by following tips from the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) to prevent mosquito infestation and control an existing problem.

"Over the last few years, the U.S. has had increased cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as the West Nile Virus and other exotic diseases such as dengue fever and Chikungunya threaten our shores," said AMCA Technical Advisor Joe Conlon. "To ensure the safety of family, friends and pets, it's extremely important to make sure you're taking the proper steps: first, reducing mosquito breeding through water management and source reduction, and second, reducing adult mosquito populations."

One of the easiest and most crucial thing to do is to remove any stagnant water you have around your property. Empty pots, tarps, tools and trash cans of any water that has collected as they are all breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

If a mosquito problem already exists, AMCA recommends controlling adult mosquitoes through mosquito traps, space sprays and vegetation management. Mosquitoes can also be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened.

"Eliminating standing water is probably the most important thing to remember when preventing or controlling mosquito problems. Keep it in the back of your mind during all outdoor activities - even remember to irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days," added Conlon.

AMCA reminds the public to practice the THREE Ds of mosquito prevention - Drain, Dress and Defend:

Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week.

Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.

-

About the American Mosquito Control Association

Celebrating 80 years of protecting public health in 2016, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is an international not-for-profit public service association. With over 1,600 members worldwide, AMCA membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities. Please visit AMCA online at www.mosquito.org and follow AMCA on Twitter @AMCAupdates.